Parliament told Old Gwanda Road project remains at fundraising stage
Parliamentary Watch
BULAWAYO — The planned rehabilitation of the Old Gwanda Road remains at the fundraising stage despite Cabinet approval, Parliament has been told.
In a written response to a question from Hon. Nkala, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona said the project would cover approximately 120 kilometres between Bulawayo and Gwanda and carried a budget of US$120 million.
“The project is currently at the fundraising stage,” Mhona said.
He said the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development and the investor had been undertaking preparatory work to mobilise for implementation, while the Department of Roads was coordinating the process.
The planned works include road-surface rehabilitation, drainage works and road furniture, according to the minister’s response.
“The scope of works approved by Cabinet covers the rehabilitation of the Old Gwanda Road from Bulawayo to Gwanda, with a total length of approximately 120 kilometres,” Mhona said.
“The total budget allocated for the Old Gwanda Road rehabilitation project is USD120million. The project is funded through a Public-Private Partnership concession arrangement.”
The project has faced delays because of difficulties in raising funds, Mhona told the National Assembly.
“The Ministry acknowledges that the project has experienced some delays, primarily attributable to fundraising delays,” he said.
“Remedial measures are being put in place by the investor, and the Ministry is committed to ensuring that the project is returned to schedule at the earliest opportunity.”
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